The services sector is a key driver of economic growth of ASEAN Member States (AMS), accounting for 40-70 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). ASEAN’s total trade in services more than doubled from USD 254 billion in 2005 to USD 590 billion in 2013.
In support of the free flow of traditional medicines and health supplements in the ASEAN region, ASEAN Member States are working on reducing the differences in national standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures that assure the safety, quality, efficacy and claimed benefits of traditional medicines and health supplements.
The ASEAN region is a major producer of rubber in the world with Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia supplying almost 79% of the global demand for natural rubber1. To facilitate regional and international trade in rubber-based products from the ASEAN region, the harmonisation of standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures, as well as developing Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs), will strengthen the capacity of ASEAN Member States in addressing Technical Barriers to Trade.
Prepared foodstuff is one of the 12 priority sectors identified for integration in ASEAN. In early 2003, the ASEAN Member States (AMS) started work to eliminate technical barriers to trade to facilitate trade in prepared foodstuff through various regional initiatives. The facilitation of trade in prepared foodstuff products across ASEAN, without compromising the safety and quality of the products, contributes not only to the acceleration of the integration of the agro-based sector but also to the overa l food security of the region.
Healthcare is one of the 12 priority sectors for ASEAN economic integration. In line with this, an ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Inspection for Manufacturers of Medicinal Products had been identified as a priority initiative
Medical device sector is one of the priority sectors for integration in ASEAN. To support the freer flow of these products in the region, ASEAN Member States (AMS) have agreed to reduce the differences on national standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures in medical device sector.
Electrical and electronics sector is one of the mature sectors in terms of harmonisation or utilisation of international standards as basis of safety and quality of EE products. ASEAN Member States (AMS) have different national standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures involving the safety and quality of Electronics and Electronic Equipment (EEE).
The cosmetics market is one of the fastest growing markets in ASEAN with a total value estimated at approximately US$16.2 billion in 2013. As early as 2003, the ASEAN Harmonised Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme (AHCRS) was adopted and it was fully implemented by ASEAN Member States (AMS) in 2008
<p>Time: 2024 By: Ministry of Industry and Trade</p>
